From the Liveblog of
Friday, July 19, 2024
Blinken dodges questions on whether Netanyahu trying to drag out war to remain in power
Jacob Magid is The Times of Israel's US bureau chief
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken indicates that the Biden administration will again be pushing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on planning for the post-war management of Gaza when the Israeli premier comes to Washington next week.
“We want to bring this (ceasefire) agreement over the finish line, but while that’s necessary, it’s also not enough because what’s critical once we get it, assuming we do, is to make sure that there’s a clear plan for what follows — the so-called day-after plan,” Blinken says at the Aspen Security Forum after being asked what the US will be trying to accomplish during Netanyahu’s visit.
He reiterates that failure to plan for the day after will lead to either Hamas remaining in power, Israel occupying Gaza, or a power vacuum filled by lawlessness.
Asked how the administration plans to deal with Netanyahu given his reticence to some of the key aspects of Washington’s Mideast agenda, Blinken says, “I’m not focused on personalities, I’m focused on policies.”
Pressed on whether Netanyahu would prefer to drag out the war to remain in power, Blinken avoids answering directly, noting that there is strong support in Israel for a hostage release and ceasefire deal.
